vs.
I absolutely miss my ST205. But I still love my rex. I had been a Toyota owner for the past 5 years, (swapped 92 celica gts, 86 celica, 90 celica ST185, then the 205) but now I see myself a Subaru owner for a very long time due to practicality.
Suspension was the big scare on the 205, but I did not have to replace any of it due to only putting 10,000 kms on the car during ownership.
Interior was far more superior in the 205 over the wrx.
Turbo lag was non-existent in the 205. Car seemed much quicker than the wrx, much more peppy, which was strange thinking the car was much heavier than the wrx is.
Brakes are far superior on the 205 as well. As stated the 4 pots were outstanding.
Transmission on the 205 wins as well. Things are capable of handling basically as much HP as you need. I know a select owner from the stating pushing 1000whp on his stock transmission. Leaves the GC8 transmission in the dust.
Engine wise. EJ20G is definitely easier to work on. But as far as reliability goes, it goes either way honestly. GC8 hits 300whp very reliable with Rob's tune, anything over this power, not only is the transmission in question, but what else might go wrong with these engines. 300whp is a sweet point for these which is much more than needed for most fanatics.
These 3rd gen 3SGTE's were notorious for ringland failure. 300bhp was the point of no return for these cars. Piston #3 was always the one in question on these motors IIRC. Many many many UK owners on their gt4.oc have had to rebuild these motors due to ringland failure.
All in all. Its a toss up. Celica was a fricken amazing rally machine, and you definitely had that feel when driving the car. The GC8 is a street car best put. But does its job well.